Jogindernagar is the terminal point of the 163 kms long and popular Kangra valley narrow gauge rail line that starts from Pathankot. It is also a destination that links the Kullu – Manali Circuit with the Kangra Valley circuit. Jogindernagar is named after a former ruler of Mandi state, Raja Joginder Sen. This is where one of the earliest hydro-electric projects in the country is located. Jogindernagar has everything for a quiet and relaxing holiday and there are options for trekking, fishing, sightseeing, picnics and enjoyable drives in the area.

Fast Facts

Height: 1500 m

Climate: In winter, the temperatures drop low and heavy woollens are required. Summers are pleasant and cottons are recommended.

Getting There & Away: How to reach Jogindernagar

Road: Mandi is at a distance of 56 kms. From Chandigarh, it is 259 kms and from Shimla, it is 210 kms. Pathankot is at a distance of 163 kms.

Rail: Chandigarh at 259 kms and Pathankot at 163 kms are the nearest broad gauge train stations. The narrow gauge Kangra rail service starting from Pathankot terminates at Jogindernagar.

Air: The Kangra airport at Gaggal is 60 kms away and the Kullu airport is 115 kms away.

Tourist Attractions in Jogindernagar

The Shanan hydel project on Uhl river, constructed in 1925 is one of the first hydro power generation stations of the country.

Macchyal Lake (6 kms): This small but enchanting lake is an ideal outdoor excursion.

Bassi Power House (6 kms): This attractive picnic spot is part of a power generation project.

Bir (2,080 m – 11 kms) has a small Tibetan settlement with a beautiful monastery.

Billing (2,600 m – 18 kms) has attained fame as a world class paragliding site. International level para-gliding competitions are held at Bir-Billing.

Baijnth (1,250 m – 20 kms): Built is circa 804, the exquisitely sculpted Lord Shiva temple at Baijnath is one of its kind in north India. The temple of Baijnath is a splendid example of classical Indian architecture and falls within the ambit of the sacred Jalandhara Peeth. The shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva in his manifestation of Vaidhyanath, Lord of the Physicians. The tiny town of Baijnath is a place of considerable antiquity and was once known as Kiragrama and held a significant position of the old trade routes.

Jhatingri (2,012 m – 12 kms) is surrounded by thick deodar forests and served as the summer resort for the rulers of Mandi.

Barot (1,785 m – 22 kms) is an off-beat river side camping spot. Cold water trout fish thrive in the Uhl river here which attracts many anglers. A reservoir built at Barot in pre-independence days holds water for the hydroelectric station at Jogindernagar.